The technology disclosed here maximizes the size of the display area associated with the mobile device by various camera placement. In one embodiment, the camera is placed inside the mobile device, and can pop outside the mobile device when the camera is activated. When the camera is inactive the camera retracts inside the mobile device, and becomes unnoticeable to the user. In another embodiment, the camera is integrated into the mobile device display as a camera icon. The integrated camera serves two purposes: to record pictures, and to act as a camera icon, that when selected activates the camera. By removing the camera from the front side of the mobile device, or by integrating the camera into the display screen of the mobile device, the size of the mobile device display screen can be increased.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A mobile device, comprising: an outer casing associated with the mobile device, the outer casing comprising a plurality of surfaces; a camera port defined in the outer casing, the camera port disposed behind a display associated with the mobile device, the camera port to house a camera movably disposed inside the camera port, and the camera port comprising a subscriber identity module card; and the camera movably disposed inside the camera port comprising a plurality of lenses, the camera operable to retract inside the camera port, and to align with each surface in the plurality of surfaces associated with the outer casing, when the camera is inactive, and the camera operable to protrude from the outer casing associated with the mobile device, when the camera is active, the camera further comprising: a first aperture; a second aperture; a plurality of photo sensors; a light deflector associated with the first aperture, the second aperture, and the plurality of photo sensors, the light deflector changing a direction of a light beam, the light deflector operable to assume a first position, and a second position, the first position deflecting a light beam associated with the first aperture to a third lens, and the second position deflecting a light beam associated with the second aperture to the third lens; the third lens disposed between the plurality of photo sensors and the light deflector; and a light guide connecting the apertures, the light deflector, and the plurality of photo sensors, the light guide transmitting a beam of light between the apertures and the plurality of photo sensors.
A mobile device has an outer casing with multiple surfaces and a camera port behind the display screen, housing a movable camera. The camera port also includes a SIM card slot. The camera itself has multiple lenses and can retract fully into the port when inactive, aligning with the outer casing's surfaces to be flush. When active, the camera protrudes. The camera contains a first and second aperture, multiple photo sensors, and a light deflector. The light deflector redirects light from either aperture to a third lens based on its position. A light guide transmits light beams between the apertures, light deflector, and photo sensors.
2. A mobile device, comprising: an outer casing associated with the mobile device, the outer casing comprising a plurality of surfaces; a camera port defined in the outer casing, the camera port disposed behind a display associated with the mobile device, the camera port to house a camera movably disposed inside the camera port, and the camera port comprising a subscriber identity module card; and the camera movably disposed inside the camera port comprising an aperture, the camera operable, when the camera is inactive, to retract inside the camera port, and to align with each surface in the plurality of surfaces associated with the outer casing, and the camera operable, when the camera is active, to protrude from the outer casing associated with the mobile device, and to position the aperture to receive light unobstructed by the mobile device.
A mobile device has an outer casing with multiple surfaces and a camera port behind the display screen, housing a movable camera. The camera port also includes a SIM card slot. The camera has an aperture, retracting into the port and aligning flush with the outer casing when inactive. When active, the camera protrudes from the casing, positioning its aperture to receive light without obstruction from the device itself.
3. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera comprising: a first aperture; a second aperture; a plurality of photo sensors; and a light deflector associated with the first aperture, the second aperture, and the plurality of photo sensors, the light deflector changing a direction of a light beam, the light deflector operable to assume a first position, and a second position, the first position deflecting a light beam associated with the first aperture to the plurality of photo sensors associated with the camera, and the second position deflecting a light beam associated with the second aperture to the plurality of photo sensors associated with the camera.
The mobile device with a retractable camera from the previous description contains a camera with a first and second aperture, multiple photo sensors, and a light deflector. The light deflector changes the direction of light beams, assuming one of two positions. The first position directs light from the first aperture to the camera's photo sensors. The second position directs light from the second aperture to the camera's photo sensors.
4. The mobile device of claim 3 , the first aperture in the second aperture comprising a first lens and a second lens, respectively.
In the mobile device featuring a camera with a light deflector system, the first and second apertures consist of a first lens and a second lens respectively. The apertures direct the light on to the photo sensors using a light deflector which redirects light from either aperture to the photo sensors.
5. The mobile device of claim 4 , the first lens and the second lens comprising a wide angle lens receiving light up to 180° around the wide angle lens.
The mobile device using first and second lens system, uses wide-angle lens as the first lens and the second lens. Each wide-angle lens receives light from an angle of up to 180° around the lens, capturing a very wide field of view.
6. The mobile device of claim 3 , the camera further comprising: a lens disposed between the plurality of photo sensors and the light deflector; and a light guide connecting the apertures, the light deflector, and the plurality of photo sensors, the light guide transmitting a beam of light between the apertures and the lens.
The mobile device featuring a camera with a light deflector system also includes a lens positioned between the photo sensors and the light deflector. A light guide connects the apertures, the light deflector, and the photo sensors, transmitting light between the apertures and this lens.
7. The mobile device of claim 3 , the camera comprising a micro-electromechanical systems device operable to actuate the light deflector.
The mobile device featuring a camera with a light deflector uses a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) device to control the movement of the light deflector. This allows for precise and rapid switching between the different apertures.
8. The mobile device of claim 3 , the light deflector comprising a mirror or a prism.
The mobile device featuring a camera with a light deflector uses a mirror or a prism as the light deflector. This mirror or prism changes the direction of incoming light, directing it from one aperture to the photosensors.
9. The mobile device of claim 2 , further comprising: a second camera associated with the mobile device, the second camera displaced a short distance from the camera, the second camera operable to record a second image corresponding to a first image captured by the camera; and a processor coupled to the second camera and the camera, the processor operable to create stereoscopic images based on the first image and the second image.
The mobile device with a retractable camera also includes a second camera positioned close to the main retractable camera. This second camera captures a second image corresponding to the first image captured by the main camera. A processor then uses both images to create stereoscopic images, enabling 3D effect.
10. The mobile device of claim 9 , the second camera comprising a front facing camera associated with the mobile device.
In the mobile device with two cameras to create stereoscopic images, the second camera used for capturing a second image is a front-facing camera. This front-facing camera complements the main retractable camera to create the stereoscopic image.
11. The mobile device of claim 2 , the aperture comprising a folded optical zoom lens.
The mobile device featuring a camera with a retractable camera utilizes a folded optical zoom lens as the aperture. This allows for zooming capabilities within the compact camera module.
12. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera port comprising a memory card.
In the mobile device featuring a retractable camera, the camera port (housing for the camera) also functions as a memory card slot. This allows users to expand the device's storage capacity.
13. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera comprising an articulated fiber optic camera, the articulated fiber optic camera operable to be steered in a plurality of directions.
The mobile device featuring a retractable camera uses an articulated fiber optic camera. This type of camera can be steered in multiple directions, providing flexibility in image capture.
14. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera operable to be activated via any of a software associated with the mobile device, a dedicated button associated with the mobile device, a voice activation, a gesture, and a power button associated with the mobile device.
The mobile device featuring a retractable camera is activated through several methods: software within the phone, a dedicated physical button, voice commands, hand gestures, or pressing the power button.
15. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera comprising a removable camera.
The mobile device featuring a retractable camera makes the camera removable. This means the camera can be detached from the phone.
16. The mobile device of claim 2 , the camera further comprising a flash.
The mobile device featuring a retractable camera includes a flash. This flash enhances image capture in low-light conditions.
17. A method comprising: providing an outer casing associated with a mobile device, the outer casing comprising a plurality of surfaces; providing a camera port defined in the outer casing, the camera port disposed behind a display associated with the mobile device, the camera port to house a camera movably disposed inside the camera port, and the camera port comprising a subscriber identity module card; and providing the camera movably disposed inside the camera port, the camera comprising an aperture, the camera operable, when the camera is inactive, to retract inside the camera port, and to align with each surface in the plurality of surfaces associated with the outer casing, and the camera operable, when the camera is active, to protrude from the outer casing associated with the mobile device, and to position the aperture to receive light unobstructed by the mobile device.
A method for mobile device design involves creating an outer casing with multiple surfaces. A camera port is defined within the casing, positioned behind the display screen. This port houses a movable camera and also accommodates a SIM card. The camera itself has an aperture and can retract fully into the port when inactive, aligning with the casing's surfaces to be flush. When active, the camera protrudes from the casing, allowing its aperture to capture light unimpeded.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising: providing a first aperture; providing a second aperture; providing a plurality of photo sensors; providing a light deflector associated with the first aperture, the second aperture, and to the plurality of photo sensors; and configuring the light deflector to change a direction of a light beam, the light deflector configured to assume a first position, and a second position, the first position deflecting a light beam associated with the first aperture to the plurality of photo sensors associated with the camera, and the second position deflecting a light beam associated with the second aperture to the plurality of photo sensors associated with the camera.
The method for mobile device design, which includes an outer casing, a camera port behind the display, and a retractable camera, further involves providing a first aperture and second aperture. It provides multiple photo sensors. Also included is a light deflector associated with both apertures and the photo sensors. This light deflector changes the direction of light, assuming one of two positions. The first position directs light from the first aperture to the photo sensors, and the second position directs light from the second aperture to the photo sensors.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the first aperture and the second aperture comprise a first lens and a second lens, respectively.
In the method for mobile device design utilizing first and second apertures for the retractable camera, the first and second apertures each comprise a lens. This means the first aperture has a first lens and the second aperture has a second lens.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first lens and the second lens comprise a wide angle lens receiving light up to 180° around the wide angle lens.
In the method for mobile device design, the first and second lens, of the retractable camera, are wide-angle lenses. These lenses can capture light from up to 180° around them, providing a very wide field of view.
21. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: providing a lens disposed between the plurality of photo sensors and the light deflector; and configuring a light guide to transmit a beam of light between the apertures and the lens, the light guide connecting the apertures, the light deflector, and the plurality of photo sensors, the light guide operable.
In the method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera with a light deflector, a lens is positioned between the photo sensors and the light deflector. Furthermore, a light guide is configured to transmit light between the apertures and the lens. The light guide connects the apertures, the light deflector, and the photo sensors, ensuring efficient light transmission.
22. The method of claim 18 , wherein the camera comprises a micro-electromechanical systems device operable to actuate the light deflector.
In the method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera with a light deflector, the camera utilizes a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) device to actuate or move the light deflector. This ensures precise and rapid control over light redirection.
23. The method of claim 18 , wherein the light deflector comprises a mirror or a prism.
A method for optical signal processing involves deflecting light using a light deflector to control the direction of light propagation. The light deflector can be implemented as a mirror or a prism, allowing for precise redirection of light beams. This deflection mechanism is part of a broader system designed to manipulate light paths in optical communication, imaging, or sensing applications. The mirror or prism may be adjustable to dynamically alter the light path, enabling functionalities such as beam steering, optical switching, or path correction. The system may include additional components like light sources, detectors, or controllers to enhance performance. The use of a mirror or prism provides flexibility in design, allowing for compact or high-precision optical setups. This method addresses challenges in optical alignment, signal routing, and system integration by offering a modular and adaptable deflection solution. The deflector's configuration can be optimized for specific applications, such as high-speed switching in telecommunications or precise beam positioning in laser systems. The overall approach improves efficiency and reliability in optical systems by providing a versatile means of light path control.
24. The method of claim 17 , further comprising: providing a second camera associated with the mobile device, the second camera displaced a short distance from the camera, the second camera operable to record a second image corresponding to a first image captured by the camera; and creating, by a processor, stereoscopic images based on the first image and the second image.
The method for mobile device design, which includes an outer casing, a camera port behind the display, and a retractable camera, further involves including a second camera positioned close to the main retractable camera. This second camera captures a second image that corresponds to the first image captured by the main camera. A processor then creates stereoscopic images based on these two images, enabling a 3D effect.
25. The method of claim 17 , wherein the aperture comprises a folded optical zoom lens.
A method for imaging systems involves using an aperture with a folded optical zoom lens to enhance optical performance. The aperture is designed to control light entry into the imaging system, while the folded optical zoom lens reduces the physical size of the optical assembly by folding the optical path, allowing for compact yet high-performance imaging. The folded optical zoom lens includes multiple lens elements arranged to provide variable magnification, enabling zoom functionality in a constrained space. This design is particularly useful in portable devices where space is limited but high-quality imaging is required. The combination of the aperture and the folded optical zoom lens optimizes light transmission and image quality while maintaining a compact form factor. The method ensures efficient light capture and precise focusing across different zoom levels, improving overall imaging performance in devices such as smartphones, cameras, and other optical systems.
26. The method of claim 17 , wherein the camera port comprises a memory card.
In the method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera, the camera port (housing for the camera) also serves as a slot for a memory card. This expands the storage capacity of the mobile device.
27. The method of claim 17 , wherein the camera comprises an articulated fiber optic camera, the articulated fiber optic camera operable to be steered in a plurality of directions.
The method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera incorporates an articulated fiber optic camera. This type of camera can be steered in multiple directions, offering great flexibility in image capture.
28. The method of claim 17 , comprising configuring the camera to be activated via a software associated with the mobile device, a dedicated button associated with the mobile device, a voice activation, a gesture, or a power button associated with the mobile device.
The method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera includes configuring the camera to activate through different means: through software on the device, a dedicated physical button, voice commands, hand gestures, or by pressing the power button.
29. The method of claim 17 , wherein the camera comprises a removable camera.
The method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera allows for the camera to be removed from the device.
30. The method of claim 17 , wherein the camera comprises a flash.
The method for mobile device design featuring a retractable camera includes incorporating a flash. This flash improves image quality in low-light conditions.
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April 4, 2016
September 12, 2017
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